Reviewed By: Dr. Christine Bui, OD
Your eyesight is one of your most important senses, yet many people neglect regular eye check-ups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 12 million Americans aged 40 and older experience vision impairment, with 1 million of them being completely blind. Statistics show that nearly 75% of adults in the U.S. use some form of vision correction, but many still don’t visit their optometrist regularly.
Regular eye exams are essential to detect potential issues before they become serious problems. But how often should adults, especially seniors, get their eyes checked?
Read on to understand why scheduling adult eye exam visits might be more urgent than you think.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?
Did you know that many eye conditions don’t show early symptoms? If left untreated, eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration can silently damage your vision. Regular eye exams for adults help catch these problems early, potentially saving your vision.
A thorough adult eye test evaluates not only your eyesight but also your eyes’ overall health. Eye doctors can detect systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can be uncovered through an eye examination. Healthy habits are also essential for maintaining good vision at every age. Read our blog to learn more about routine eye care for adults.
Eye Exam Frequency for Adults
So, how often should adults schedule vision checkups? The answer depends on several factors, such as age, overall health, and whether they have any vision problems.
Adults (Ages 18 to 39):
- Asymptomatic or Low-Risk Adults: Eye exams at least every two years.
- At-Risk Adults: Annually or as recommended by your eye doctor.
Adults (Ages 40 to 64):
- Asymptomatic or Low-Risk Adults: Eye exams every two years.
- At-Risk Adults: Annual exams, or as your doctor advises.
Seniors (Ages 65 and Older):
- Eye Exam for Seniors (Ages 65+): Annually or more often if necessary. The risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration increases as we age. For this reason, senior eye exams are essential to maintaining quality of life.
Are You At Risk?
If you’re wondering whether you’re at risk and need more frequent eye tests, here are some common factors that may put you in this category:
- Family history of eye diseases like glaucoma.
- Diabetes or other systemic conditions that affect eye health.
- Occupational hazards that expose your eyes to potential harm.
- Long-term use of medications that may have eye-related side effects.
Key Components of an Adult Eye Exam
Wondering what to expect during an eye exam? A comprehensive adult eye exam includes several tests to assess your overall vision and eye health.
1. Patient History
Your optometrist will ask about your current eye health and medical history, including any vision issues, medications, or environmental factors that could impact your eyes.
2. Visual Acuity Test
This test measures how clearly you can see. You’ve likely done this before—reading letters from a distance or up close.
3. Refraction Test
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the refraction test determines whether you need a prescription change. It identifies nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
4. Eye Focusing and Movement Tests
Your optometrist will also assess how well your eyes focus and work together. This is crucial in detecting issues like lazy eye or difficulty with eye coordination.
5. Eye Health Evaluation
Using advanced instruments and dilating drops, the doctor examines the structures inside your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This step is key to spotting early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
6. Keratometry/Topography
This test measures the curvature of your cornea, which is especially important for those who wear contact lenses.
Why Eye Exams Are Critical for Seniors
Eye exams for seniors are especially vital because age-related eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma become more common with age.
- Cataracts: By age 80, more than half of Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
- Glaucoma: Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without symptoms but causes irreversible damage.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This condition affects central vision and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60.
Regular eye exams for seniors can detect these issues early, often preventing or slowing down the progression of the disease.
Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams
Some people rely on vision screenings or health fairs, but are these screenings enough? Vision screenings can identify basic problems like nearsightedness, but they don’t cover the full spectrum of potential issues.
Comprehensive regular eye exams for adults involve more in-depth testing and can uncover hidden problems, such as early signs of glaucoma or diabetes. Screenings give you a snapshot of your eye health, but a full exam by an optometrist provides a detailed look at your vision and the health of your eyes.
When Should You Book Your Next Eye Exam?
Now that you know the importance of adult eye exams, especially senior eye exams, the next step is to schedule one. Have you had an eye exam in the last two years? If not, it’s time to make an appointment.
Early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions can prevent vision loss and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing vision problems or not, eye exams should be part of your routine healthcare.
Do You Know If Your Vision is Safe?
With so many adults and seniors skipping regular adult eye exams, could you be at risk of developing a condition that you don’t even know about yet?
At Lake Eye Associates, we offer comprehensive eye tests for seniors tailored to your individual needs. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a bigger issue.
Our team of professionals is here to help you maintain optimal eye health. Our clinics are conveniently located in Wildwood, Mount Dora, Leesburg, The Villages, Tavares, and Lady Lake, FL, USA. Contact us now to schedule your appointment and ensure your eyes get the care they deserve.
**The information provided in this blog on adult eye exams, senior eye exams, and related eye health issues is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your optometrist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your vision or medical condition.**
